Loren F. Hiratzka, M.D., Cincinnati, received the American Heart Association?s 2006 Chairman?s Award, which honors excellence in volunteer service, at Sunday?s Opening Session.
Dr. Hiratzka is medical director of cardiac surgery for TriHealth, Inc., including Bethesda North and Good Samaritan hospitals in Cincinnati.
AHA recognized Dr. Hiratzka for his tireless devotion to the mission of the Association and his many contributions toward the advancement of its strategic goals.
Association Board Chairman Andrew W. Buroker, Carmel, Ind., presented the award, a citation and $1,000 honorarium given annually to recognize exceptional service in non-science areas.
Buroker said Dr. Hiratzka ?has generously and enthusiastically invested his time, energies and expertise in countless ways to strengthen Association-wide efforts to reduce cardiovascular disease mortality and improve the heart health of all Americans.?
Dr. Hiratzka has provided direction and leadership for the Association at both the Ohio Valley Affiliate and national levels for 28 years. He and his wife, Debra, designed an innovative and very successful Scientific Sessions Major Donor Day program that involves donors and prospects in activities during Scientific Sessions. Dr. Hiratzka and his wife have personally hosted receptions in Cincinnati for donors. Dr. Hiratzka currently chairs the Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia and gives surgical expertise to other committees and writing groups. He has been a member of the Association?s Prevention and Risk Reduction task forces.
A native of Detroit, Dr. Hiratzka is a 1970 graduate of the University of Iowa College of Medicine. He was appointed to his present post at TriHealth, Inc., in 1998.